Farmingdale Graduate Enlists with U.S. Navy

For the last thirteen years, I have volunteered for various neighborhood activities.  The community events introduced me to Farmingdale and Massapequa neighbors.  Andrea Cella is one of the people I have enjoyed meeting.   It felt like yesterday that Andrea and I stood outside the Farmingdale Public Library selling plants and cupcakes for SEPTA.  We chatted about our high school children and their plans for the future.  While my son prepared to take the S.A.T., Andrea’s son finalized plans of his own.

After graduating from Farmingdale High School in June 2013, Andrew Thomas Cella slipped into a black and white uniform and began a new journey. Unlike many of his classmates, Andrew headed to the Great Lakes, north of Chicago, to begin Basic Navy Training.  The two-month training consisted of vigorous physical exercise, recognition of different naval vessels and aircrafts, firefighting skills, Navy custom standards, communications and seamanship.  Training ended with a twelve-hour accumulative exercise exam called "Battle Stations”.

Andrew described boot camp as a learning experience. “I did not find it overwhelming,” he admitted.  “Basic training was regimented.  We did a lot of training and physical stuff. If you do what you’re told and keep your head high, it’s a good experience. I’m glad I did it.”

He is now in Pensacola, Florida attending the second phase of military training.  “A” school lasts an average of five months and teaches specialized skills to the sailors.  When Andrew completes “A” school, he will rest in Farmingdale for one week before his military orders arrive.

Andrew enlisted with the Navy for a chance at a better life. He is eager to experience things he would not encounter in college and is excited to travel the world while serving his country. “It is not easy to find a job,” he acknowledged.  “The Navy will teach me a trade and help me in the long run.”

I admire Andrew’s selfless attitude and bravery.  At the same time, I cannot imagine how Andrea and her husband are handling Andrew’s career choice. “When he told us that he wanted to join the service, I didn’t know how I felt,” Andrea said.  “The day his recruiter arrived and we watched Andrew sign papers; I wanted to yell ‘you can’t have my baby’.  I controlled the urge, even though I want to protect my child every step of the way.”

Andrea explained that recorded telephone calls and the unknown were equally scary.  “We received a call when Andrew arrived at boot camp,” Andrea explained.  “The telephone rang at 2:45 a.m.  Andrew said, ‘Hi, I’m here. You will get a box in the mail with all my stuff and will receive a call from me in two weeks.’ He told us that he loved us and then the call ended.”  Andrea did not know which time of day Andrew would call, so the phone remained in her hand the entire two months.  “Short letters we received from Andrew kept me going,” she said. “My youngest son misses his brother. He talks about the pride he feels for Andrew to anyone who will listen.”

On February 28, 2014, Andrew called his family to announce that he bridged over to a sailor. The family traveled to Chicago for Andrew’s graduation from boot camp. It was one of the happiest days of Andrea’s life.

Andrew Thomas Cella, your family is proud of your accomplishments and so are your Farmingdale neighbors.  You are the pride of Farmingdale.  Thank you for serving our Country.